10 Places To Travel To in 2015 (And Why!)

Clean slates, fresh starts. The first of every January is the day equivalent of fresh ink falling on a crisp white sheet of paper.

I know, I know – we all harbour the scars of yesteryear. But the new year is an opportunity to begin anew and to forge new paths in life. It is as clean a slate and fresh a start as most of us will ever get.

In me, the new year always rekindles the flames of my wanderlust. After hitting “publish” on my look back at 2014, my wistful nostalgia was immediately replaced with a wide-eyed sense of wonder. There I was, sitting on a tiny speck of dust, right in the centre of the unimaginable vastness of the universe. Fine, maybe I wasn’t right in the centre – but who isn’t the centre of the universe in their own head?

There is so much out there that I would like to explore and 2015 is the first year when I will be truly free to do so. I should finish my university degree this summer and after that… who knows? I certainly don’t, which is beginning me to worry me a little. That is why I have decided to compile a list ten places to travel to in 2015, as well as a list of reasons why they are on my list. Curious? Here we go!

Photo courtesy of Chris Golightly.

10. Scotland, UK

I live in Britain and one of my best friends hails from Scotland – so why have I not visited yet? Good question and one in a series of many I am unable to answer. My go-to theory is that it’s too close. I know what you’re thinking – that’s silly. Yes, yes it is. Unbelievably silly. But it makes some sense.

You see, if a place is too close, we sometimes lack the motivation to visit because we know it will always be there and feel like we could visit anytime. That’s the reason why I’ve never been to Slovakia, Hungary or Poland either. They’re all too close to where I grew up, so I never felt the need to just get up and go. Hopefully that will change this year! I want to frolic on the lush green hills of the Scottish countryside, say hello to the Loch Ness monster and maybe even try haggis… Maybe.

9. Lapland, Finland

It has been a long-standing dream of mine to see the northern lights and if all goes to plan I will be able to tick this off in a few day’s time. You see, I am flying to the Lappish city of Levi later this week and I could not be more excited! They say winter is the best time to catch a glimpse of this majestic laser show and I promise I will share it all with you.

But these pesky dancing lights are notoriously difficult to predict, so I have put together a killer itinerary with the help of the incredible team at the Levi Tourist Office. I will snuggle with baby huskies, feel the icy wind in my hair on a snow mobile safari, sleep in an ice hotel and do many other incredible things I do not want to share with you just yet – I like to keep you on your toes…

8. Cuba

One of my old high school friends was from Cuba, but I never felt the urge to visit… until now. With President Obama moving toward lifting the long-standing ban on travel to Cuba, it seems now would be a good time to visit Cuba before its streets are lit up by McDonald’s golden arches.

I want to experience its old school charm, hear the music in the echo of my footsteps and understand life in this politically unique island nation. I want to step inside a 1947 Hudson and be transported into an era bygone. Technically McDonald’s was founded in 1940 so it shouldn’t interfere with that vision, but still – I’d rather not take my chances.

7. Bali, Indonesia

Bali is the ultimate luxury retreat and while that sounds extremely enticing, it is not the main reason why I would like to visit. For me, it’s all about the rice fields and jungle trekking… Although I’d be lying if I said the possibility of wasting my days cruising up and down the white sand or being pampered at a glorious spa did not entice me.

Whatever the reason behind it, whenever I see a photo of the island’s lush greenery it just screams my name – loudly. Perhaps it’s time I heeded its call!

6. Lake Bled, Slovenia

Ever since seeing a post about the Garden Village near lake Bled, I have been unable to get the place off my mind. Sure, I could find lodges like it in the Costa Rican rainforest… But unlike the Costa Rican rainforest, Slovenia is just a short drive from my parents’ place in Vienna.

I have often passed through Slovenia on my way somewhere else, but that does not constitute a proper visit and I think the time has come for me to change that. I am ready to be charmed!

5. Las Vegas, USA

Look, it’s about time. I just don’t see how I could let another year go by without visiting the USA, properly. And if I do, how could I not visit its capital of hedonism and debauchery? Frankly, it doesn’t matter that much where in the States I go – I just wanna go there. But Vegas would be fun and

How could I not? It’s literally the only country in the world where I don’t get asked a dozen questions about my accent whenever I open my mouth. It’s just… liberating.

4. Iceland

Iceland seems to be a prominent entry on everyone’s bucket list lately, but for once I don’t mind going with the flow. Not when the country in question is a magical land whose inhabitants believe elves to be real and who would probably ride dragons into battle, if it ever came to it.

But there’s more. Being a “Game of Thrones” fanatic, I would also love to explore its filming locations. Being a bikini fiend, I’d love to visit the Blue Lagoon. Being… curious, I’d also love to visit the penis museum in Reykjavik. That’s enough, I think. I probably should have stopped after the second reason.

3. Morocco

I know, I know – I just visited Morocco last year. But at five days, my trip was painfully short and left me with more questions than answers. Sure, I’ve seen the souks of Marrakech and stayed with the Berbers near Imintanoute, but that’s just the beginning!

I long to gaze at an intricate carpet of stars with my feet dipped in the cool desert sand, I want to wander through the streets of the all-blue city of Chefchaouen and to surf the waves of Agadir. I want to learn more about the way of life in Berber villages. Take me there, take me now.

2. New Zealand

This entry on the list is a completely unexpected one for me, especially considering it’s in second place. New Zealand, I don’t know how you’ve managed this, but you have turned from a faint whisper in the back of my mind into a roar in my ears.

I have always been a fan of fantasy literature, so seeing the “Lord of The Rings” filming location always seemed interesting to me, but I never bothered learning much about the rest of the country. Well, that was stupid. New Zealand seems like an adventurer’s paradise and I would love to explore it!

I don’t even know what to add here. Cape Town is so beautiful that looking at photos of it breaks my heart a little. How could a place so magnificent even exist? If I do get to visit this year, I bet I’ll be crying the second I step onto the tarmac. A sea of happy tears.

I didn’t expect there would be, but there seems to be a common thread connecting the destinations I have picked as the top 10 places to travel to in 2015. Have you noticed it too? The abundance of wild nature, luscious greenery and the rawness of a place unexplored. Perhaps this city girl has had enough of polluted city life after all?

Also, I am dubbing 2015 my “Asia year” but there is only one Asian destination on the list. Why?! I’m treating my theoretical trip to Asia as a huge journey of exploration and it is very hard for me to decide which places I should to visit while there… there are too many potential favourites. For the sake of retaining my sanity, I’ve decided to leave those difficult choices for longer – just know that this list could easily have only consisted of countries from that continent.

Which places would you add to the list? Which would you keep? What are your must-visit places for 2015? Let me know – I love hearing about your plans and being inspired by them!

Yes to all of these! I’m headed to Iceland this spring–can’t wait! I’m also a Game of Thrones fan and would love to see some filming locations. I don’t know if I can handle the penis museum though… and I feel like my boyfriend won’t be so into it 🙂

Hahaha he might be!! Although there might be some size envy because from what I know they have whale penises on display and such 😛 I’ve seen some GoT locations in Ireland & I need moooooore 😀

ablondearoundtheworld

Great list girl! We share some wish destinations, and you made me melancholic about some destinations I visited in the past years. Oh, and if you make it to Lake Bled, we HAVE to meet!!!!! 🙂 Happy new year Sampina <3

Love this list! You living in the UK but never having visited Scotland totally reminds me that I really want to go to Mexico this year! (If you can’t tell, I’m from California, haha.) I know that I am for sure going to Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas this year (unfortunately none are new visits for me haha), but I’m hoping to travel out of the country or at least to a new state in the US at least once this year!

Definitely! It’s funny how it’s almost too easy for us to visit some places & so we don’t! Texas sounds super exciting, I’d love to go 😀 But yeah – I’ll do Scotland if you do Mexico hahaha. Let’s support each other 😛

What a great list! I visited Scotland and Morocco last year and loved them both. And if you go to the USA, you should visit my hometown of Seattle – I promise it’s cooler than Vegas:) This year, I’m planning spend most of the winter and spring in SE Asia. And then, who knows!

Ahhh I know! My friend and I are thinking of visiting NZ later in the year… How’s the weather in July or so? I’d LOVE to visit & don’t mind your bias hahaha. Where in NZ are you from? 🙂 I’m going to Lapland TONIGT. OMG OMG.

July is winter but it’s not too cold, plus you’ll see snowy mountains in winter which are gorgeous in the south island. I’m from Auckland but live in London now and missing it terribly when it’s so dreary here and my fb feed is full up with beach pics! What? Tonight! OMG amazing, can’t wait to read about it x

If everything goes according to plan, we’ll be moving to Sicily in late March so we’ll definitely be able to hit up some of the European countries this year (hopefully). The only other place I can’t stop thinking about it Thailand. I really really want to go there this year. Not sure if we can afford plane tickets for two adults and two kids though.

Ha, Patagonia is also on my list- in fact it was on THIS list initially but didn’t make the cut in the end haha. What a beautiful place 😀

TriReagan

I’m heading to Iceland in October and I can’t be more excited! I’ll also be in mainland Europe for almost 3 weeks in late May/early June. 2015 is definitely the year of Europe for me. I hope to finish off the year in Central America though.

Great suggestions! I love hearing where travelers want to go. 2015 is going to be a big year for me because I’m going to be moving home from Japan (where I’ve been living for the past two years). Before then, I would like to travel more throughout the country and to Thailand and Taiwan. If I’m not able to make it to those places this year, I’m sure I will in the future! Iceland is also high on my list to visit in the near future.

Ah, that’s so exciting! New year, new chapter – I like that! 🙂 How has living in Japan been for you? Sounds like a very interesting experience for sure 🙂 Both Thailand and Taiwan are high on my list as well – hope you really enjoy them!

So happy to see Cape Town as #1! I’ll be heading to Cape town for two and a half weeks in June! I am SO excited to see what the city has to offer – it just looks so beautiful! I’m definitely going to be doing a little dance on the plane when I land…

I just found your blog recently, but i’m glad I did! I was surprised to read you’re living in London, because it just so happens I am moving to London myself later this year! 😀 I’m getting my Master’s there, but London has stolen my heart, and hope to stay there after my program and build a life in the UK. I hope to travel ALL OVER Europe while I’m living there. I cannot wait!

Wishing you many new and exciting travel adventures for 2015! And get to South Africa ASAP…make it happen, girl! 🙂

Ahhh I’m completely head over heels in love with Cape Town! So so so excited for you! OMG girl that’s perfect – let me know when you’re in London, drop me an email or something & then we should totally meet up & you can tell me all about your South African adventures!!!! 😀

I’m so excited to experience the city & the peninsula around Cape Town, it all looks so beautiful! I’ll also be flying to north eastern South Africa and spending a week at Kruger National Park on safari (!!!) & seeing Johannesburg as well.

Definitely! I should be in London sometime in September, but still not sure exactly when yet. I’d love to meet up with you and tell you all about my South African adventure 🙂

Enjoy Finland! I’m planning on visiting Tampere (and sorrounding cities) in summer 🙂 Northern lights are on my must-see list as well, but until now, I only got far enough for white nights in south Finland/Russia.

Absolutely – now is a very exciting time to visit Cuba for sure! OMG are they actually? I LOVE the accent and would pretty much fall in love with all the teachers there hahaha… not just the country 😛 South Africa seems to be getting a lot of traction lately, especially Cape Town… I wanna get there asap!

I agree with the “too close” theory, but sometimes we need to explore our own backyards before we can truly appreciate the rest of the world. I’m actually hoping to move across to New Zealand in April this year (*fingers crossed*) but I keep going back and forth on the too close theory as it’s only a 3 hour flight away and I don’t need a visa to work there so really I can go there at any time. I decided to tell myself to shut up and just go with your gut so I’ve started looking for housing and jobs. I’m also hoping to head back to north America at the end of the year and see more of the country and FINALLY visiting New York.

That’s so exciting! 😀 You know how they say the grass is always greener on the other side? Well, in NZ it’s probably true 😛 So green, so beautiful! I hope you do it because I think it’d be an amazing place to live! Where are you from then?

Yay thanks Becky! If I can tick off half of these, I’ll be a very happy lady 😀 Slovenia is high up on the list for sure & also one of the easiest to do due to proximity!

Ivana

Love this list! Iceland is one of my top places too, it looks so unreal. I’ve always wanted to visit South Africa too. I’m actually going to Burkina Faso in West Africa for three months in a few days – most random place ever! Hadn’t even heard of it 6 months a go haha!

I lived in Scotland for several years. It’s an amazing country and you shoulde definitely go visit. Just book a weekend trip, grab your friend in case you need some translating (not all accents up there are intelligible) and enjoy the majestic landscapes. The Scots are such friendly people and welcome everyone, believe it or not.
New Zealand, Morroco and Iceland are definitely on my bucket list. i must go.
xx Dandy I http://www.dandelioblue.co.uk

Oh that’s so cool! Whereabouts in Scotland? one of my best friends is from there, so I hope I’ll get to explore Scotland with her at some point this year 🙂

DandelionBlue

I used to live and study in Glasgow. It’s a great city. It’s not quite as pretty as Edinburgh but People are really friendly. Definitely worth a visit. But I traveled about a lot. I’ve been to most corners in Scotland. It’s a wonderful country. The landscape is amazing and there are so many very different corners. You should definitely go xx Dandy

Foreign Geek

My big travel this year would be to US to experience white christmas and I would love to go to Iceland, Scotland and Morroco.

Great! I`ve always dreamt of seeing the Northern Lights. Unfortunately, Lapland is not on my 2015 bucket list. However, I`m going to Canada so chances to see it are high. One day, I`ll go to all the places you mentioned and I`ll keep record… 🙂 Thank you for lovely read.

Unfortunately I didn’t get t see the northern lights during my trip to Finland… But that just means I’ll have to visit again which is just fine with me 😀 Glad you enjoyed the post Jane! x

Inge Rouwmaat

Oooh yes I want to go to Scotland too! I have already been to England and Ireland.. so Scotland can’t be excluded, right? Haha! And New Zealand is on my wishlist too.. but not for 2015 (money troubles).

Same here – been to England and Ireland, so now Scotland has to be done as well 😀 Yeah, I feel you re money troubles… Flights to NZ are SO expensive & the country isn’t exactly cheap either 🙁 But who knows, maybe Ill find a way. Fingers crossed for you too, Inge!

Iceland should definitely be on everyone’s list. It’s so gorgeous there. Japan is amazing, I also enjoyed my time there. Especially the FOOD!!
Peru is on my list for this year and I would love to make it to Morocco. I hear amazing things.

Emily Pearson

I love love LOVED Cape Town. Would go back in a heartbeat! I know what you mean about Scotland and other various places being too close. For some reason, you never seem to visit the places that are on your doorstep!http://www.abefuddledlife.com

went to Iceland last year (it was amazing) and we are just about to book up Lake Bled 🙂 There are so many fantastic places on this list. Cape Town is up there with one of my all time bucket list places.

Cape Town was by far the best trip I have ever done. I would go back to SA in a heartbeat, I just love it (www.feetmeetworld.com/the-time-i-went-to-south-africa). New Zealand is also somewhere that I am dying to go but have no idea when I’m ever going to be able to get the funds to see.
This year has also been my ‘Asia’ year despite only going to Thailand – but like you, it’s the first time visiting the continent and immersing myself in the culture!

Ah this is so amazing! Off to Morocco on the 31st of December (better late than never) and visited Cape Town twice in one trip this summer. So incredible! Iceland was on my list too this year, but will definitely save it up for 2016 instead.

Murad Karamov

Dear Sabina,
Love your list. But my favourite would be New Zealand. However, It would be very nice to see the name of my country in your wishlist countries too. When you are in our country, I will be very happy to assist you just free of charge. We are passionate to show you
our country because, we love history, fauna and flora, culture and cuisine, and
people of our country and we love to travel.

Azerbaijan bordered by Russia, Georgia, Iran, Turkey, Armenia and the Caspian Sea.
Home to UNESCO world heritage sites and signs of early civilisations, the
landscape and history leave plenty to be explored.

There is also a Good News! Now you can get Azerbaijan Electronic Visa within
5-10 business days just for 20 USD. As you have already applied through
electronic visa application system, you will be able to download your e-Visa
directly from the website after getting eVisa approval and you will NOT need to
go to Embassy to get eVisa.

With an aim to attract more tourists from all over the world, this new system is designed
to transfer all visa applications to the electronic context. Hereby, visitors
need to provide all necessary documents to http://www.evisa.com.az. After the relevant
documents are prepared, the http://www.evisa.com.az will apply to the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs for e-visa. When confirmed by MFA, e-visa is forwarded to
visitors in electronic format. Henceforth, visitors just need to print out the
e-visa and are free to visit the country via any modes of entry (by air, on
land, by sea etc.).

Hi Sabina! All these places look wonderful – I just hope I can visit them myself one day too.

Have you ever considered Portugal? If you do, you MUST visit the small village of Sintra – it has three amazing castles and many trails through its amazing forests. Just google it!

Anyway, if you do ever find yourself in Portugal, I’d be more than happy to recommend you places to visit!

P.S. I couldn’t resist googling it myself, it is just so beautiful!

Hi, I’m Sabina!

I'm all about responsible travel, sustainable fashion and veggie food. I created Girl vs Globe to show the world you can fulfil your dreams without harming the planet - quite the opposite! Click the photo above to learn more about me.

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